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GRANTSVILLE -- Calhoun County is participating in the statewide Wild, Wonderful and Healthy West Virginia initiative as the group holds its first meeting today.
The group, a coalition of community members, business owners, civic organizations and others, joined together to "look at a needs analysis for the community, identify priority areas and develop a plan to make our community a happier and healthier community," Jeannie Bennett, chief operating officer for student services at Calhoun County Schools, said.
Ongoing for about a year, the project is hoped to address issues such as high unemployment and generational poverty by bringing in healthier food sources, more physical activities and better transportation opportunities, Bennett said.
Bennett's involvement with the program is partially because of her involvement with kids in her profession.
"(I) see the impact that the drug epidemic, generational poverty and a lack of resources has on our students," Bennett said. "My personal interest is making the community a healthier place to live and raise children with better opportunities."
About 36 individuals are meeting today to start the program. Community organizations represented include Minnie Hamilton Memorial Health Care Center, the local Family Resource Network and the school system.
"I hope that we can … make Calhoun County a better place to live, work and raise children," Bennett said.